Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold spicy and smoky flavor
- Juicy tender marinated chicken
- Homemade peri peri sauce with fresh ingredients
- Perfect for grilling or baking
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable spice level
- Restaurant-style flavor made at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the peri peri sauce:
- red chili peppers
- garlic
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- smoked paprika
- oregano
- vinegar
- onion
- salt
- black pepper
For the chicken:
- chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
Optional additions:
- honey
- parsley
- extra chili flakes
- butter
- lime wedges
Directions
- Add the chili peppers, garlic, onion, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to a blender.
- Blend until smooth to create the peri peri sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level if desired.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or container.
- Pour most of the peri peri sauce over the chicken, reserving some for serving.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven or grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred, turning occasionally and brushing with extra sauce.
- Let the chicken rest for several minutes before serving.
- Serve with the reserved peri peri sauce and optional garnishes.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken wings for a party appetizer version.
- Add honey for a sweeter spicy sauce.
- Grill the chicken for smoky charred flavor.
- Use tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Bake at 350°F until heated through.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for crispier skin.
The peri peri sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
FAQs
What does peri peri sauce taste like?
It’s spicy, smoky, tangy, garlicky, and full of bold flavor.
How spicy is peri peri chicken?
The spice level depends on the peppers used and can be adjusted easily.
What chicken cuts work best?
Chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts all work well.
Can I grill peri peri chicken?
Yes, grilling adds excellent smoky flavor and char.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
What peppers work best for peri peri sauce?
Red chilies such as bird’s eye chilies or Fresno peppers work well.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
What side dishes pair well with peri peri chicken?
Rice, fries, salad, roasted vegetables, and flatbread pair perfectly.
Can I freeze peri peri chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months.
Is peri peri chicken healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with protein and uses fresh flavorful ingredients.
Conclusion
Peri Peri Chicken with Homemade Peri Peri Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with smoky spice, citrus, and garlic. Easy to customize and perfect for grilling or roasting, this juicy chicken recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor at home. Whether served for casual dinners or gatherings, it’s a bold and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
PrintPeri Peri Chicken with Homemade Peri Peri Sauce
Peri Peri Chicken with Homemade Peri Peri Sauce is a bold and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a smoky, spicy, and tangy chili sauce. Inspired by Portuguese and African flavors, this vibrant recipe is perfect for grilling, roasting, or easy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 6 red chili peppers
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil for chicken
- 1/2 tsp salt for chicken
- 1/4 tsp black pepper for chicken
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/2 tsp extra chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Add the chili peppers, garlic, onion, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to a blender.
- Blend until smooth to create the peri peri sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level if desired.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or container.
- Pour most of the peri peri sauce over the chicken, reserving some for serving.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F or heat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 30 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with extra sauce, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Let the chicken rest for several minutes before serving.
- Serve with reserved peri peri sauce and optional garnishes like parsley or lime wedges.
Notes
- Bird’s eye chilies or Fresno peppers work well for authentic flavor.
- Remove chili seeds for a milder sauce.
- Grilling adds delicious smoky flavor and char.
- Honey can be added for a sweeter spicy sauce.
- The peri peri sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve with rice, fries, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
